We always appreciate your input at Barn Finds because, without you, this site doesn’t exist. You provide insightful feedback and are an enormous source of knowledge when I make glaring mistakes. Therefore, I must commend Barn Finder Curvette for using what is obviously a finely-tuned classic radar to spot this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS. “Stunning” would be a great word to describe its appearance, but with a big-block under the hood, it would be equally appropriate to describe its performance. The seller has listed the Impala here on eBay in Valley Center, California. They set their BIN at $53,000 with the option to make an offer.
It is easy to see why Chevrolet’s Fourth Generation Impala range was a runaway success upon its 1965 release. The company offered an impressive selection of body styles, mechanical configurations, and trim levels. It meant that buyers seeking a full-size car were almost guaranteed to find the ideal candidate in their local Chevrolet showroom. The SS variant demonstrated the company’s commitment to serving performance-focused enthusiasts. In Sport Coupe form, the ’65 Impala was one of the most handsome cars to emerge in the 1960s. The seller indicates that this classic has spent its life in California, which explains its rust-free status. They describe the vehicle as restored, but there is one mystery that may require your feedback. The seller describes the paint shade as “Dark Purple,” although no such color appears on that year’s Charts. I believe that it might be Danube Blue, which walks a fine line between Blue and Purple. It will be fascinating to gauge your input to discover whether you agree. Faulting the appearance is seemingly impossible. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are laser-straight, and there are no trim or glass issues. The Impala rolls on a set of steel wheels, complete with spinner hubcaps and narrow whitewalls.
Diversity was key to the Impala’s success, including under the hood. A big-block V8 was available from Day One, making the SS a potent machine. Initially, the 409ci V8 producing 340hp was the weapon of choice. However, the company upgraded to the more modern 396ci motor in early 1965, delivering at least 325hp to the driver. This SS also features a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, and power steering, meaning the buyer doesn’t need to be a bodybuilder to handle this classic. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 46,500 original miles, although there is no mention of verifying evidence. There’s also no information regarding the mechanical condition, but the indications are that this Impala is a turnkey proposition.
One thing that I admire about this Impala is what I would term its honesty. The seller’s photos are crisp and clear, exposing any issues or shortcomings. This interior shot perfectly demonstrates that approach. You can clearly see deterioration on some bright trim pieces, and it appears the left-hand end of the dashpad may be warped. However, the White vinyl is free of stains and yellowing, and the carpet looks excellent. The console houses a factory clock, and the dash features a tachometer and the original pushbutton radio.
Some classics are a one-trick pony, but such criticisms can’t be leveled at this 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS. Its presentation is seemingly flawless, while life in a dry climate has left it structurally sound. Its mechanical specifications hint at scintillating performance, and there’s enough interior space to comfortably accommodate five adults. It appears to have covered every base, and recent successful sales suggest that the price is realistic. However, the seller’s willingness to negotiate may improve the situation, which is why I believe this classic will find a new home fairly easily.
Love this era Impalas 396, 4sp, 11bolt👍
11 bolt 🔩 were Quebèc 🍁 only lol
Yeah, the ’65’s styling, in particular, really resonates with me. Big block 4-gear is gravy and cheese. The coin these command are beyond my ability to possess, but it doesn’t diminish my desire to own one. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to buy a partial ownership, like a plane or jet…
This is a nice car but for this kind of money I would expect more than hardware store radiator hoses and a bypassed heater core.
Paid a thousand bucks for mine back in the 90s, it had a 327 and a good ole powerglide. Sure miss that old car!
The owner should have replaced the wheel opening moldings after he had it painted. The interior door cards have been replaced by non-descript ones without the factory trim/armrests. They look horrible.
Wasn’t this car on barnfinds a couple months ago? That purple/black color description, white interior, bypassed heater core deal looks familiar.
It was also on eBay for a while.
How time flies, 2023, same car, same pictures, $50k then.
Whenever I see one of these it brings back a sad memory. I graduated high school in 1965 and a guy I knew and had gone through school with was given a new 65 Impala with a 327 for his graduation present. He was one of those guys who had it all- good looking, good student, good athlete, class president etc. He and another guy got to celebrating on graduation night and wrapped the car around a pole killing them both.
The 409 cu in was still available in 1965 only through February of that year. A rare beast if you can find one.
There was a 65 wagon for sale recently. Black, 409, 4 speed. In original unmolested condition. I believe it attained about $80k.
Very odd to see a 396 cu in under the hood with no engine call outs ? Just saying, looks fake.
Same here Jim. Valve covers don’t look wide enough for a big block. One would think an Impala would have A/C.
Jim, if you look at the ebay pictures, it says ‘396’ under the flags on the front fenders.
Beautiful car! Funny how General Motors can only make trucks now.
VERY nice car but my heart belongs to the ’66’s.
I also own a 65 SS Imp. although mine can not hold a candle to this beauty. Yours is inspiring and the price, is quite fair. My suggestion is: If it does not sell, re-list it but raise the price. In my opinion these SS Chevys are top of the list and should be worth near $100K. Just be patient and proud to own it. Thanks for showing it off!
wholesaler and 50k. too much IMO. it does look nice. got to love those muti fit rad hoses and repaired fuel line to the carb not for 50k
Not to mention the angled aftermarket radio antenna. Always hated that, especially with the price the seller is asking.
This is very clean and I like it is a 4 speed.
Mine had a 409 4 speed with AC!
Let’s not forget that until Feb. of ’65 a buyer could still order a solid lifter 409 (400hp/L31), besides the hydraulic lifter 340-horse L33….having discontinued the 425-horse, dual quad L80 409 which the subsequent 425-horse 396/L78 replaced.
is that the empty battery tray next to the radiator
I’ve got one of those in my garage, 327/300, 4 speed, 12 bolt, posi traction, matching numbers, factory tach, factory dual exhausts, white/white, Coker red stripe tires. $53K is a bit rich for this one. I would be happy to get $35,000 for mine. Like most ’60s sleds, pretty quick in a straight line.
Yes ED B your are correct. there are call outs on the front fenders I agree. I don’t see any under the hood. Call outs were always on the air cleaner on 396 cars. That is the ones I was referring too.
’65 Impalas, Biscaynes, they were THE car to have back when I was in high school.
after 64 I never liked the impala just looks too big and bulky for a sporty car
Watching the video, it seems the hydraulic lifters are sticking. I remember that sound well.